GAME REPORT

A late collapse cost Arras the chance of their first EuroLeague Women Group B victory as Good Angels Kosice dug themselves out of a sizeable hole to claim a precious and hard-fought 70-67 success on the road.

Led by Icelandic small forward Helena Sverrisdottir who produced arguably her best ever performance in the competition with 17 points and seven rebounds thanks to some nice perimeter shooting, Good Angels Kosice came from 60-50 behind in the fourth quarter to take the win.

In a contest which had proven a real roller-coaster, Arras looked to be on course for victory when a three-pointer by Aurelie Carmona finished their scoring in the third quarter to put them 58-48 in front.

However, the nerves began to jangle when Miljana Bojovic brought Good Angels Kosice back to within a point midway through the final period.

Despite Arras having looked to have settled themselves again by moving 65-61 ahead, foul trouble proved an issue as the visitors iced six successive free-throws during the last two minutes to produce a 9-2 finish to the game and sneak over the finishing line.

COACH QUOTES

Arras Pays d 'Artois head coach Thibault Petit"It's a shame because it was very close. The last quarter killed us, we shouldn't show it, but it obvious that we were tired.

Kosice have 12 players ready to play,and we're playing only with 7, and lost [Krissy] Bade very early in the game. But our group was much better than in the past weekend, I saw the team progressing. We had too many turnovers cause of to tiredness and also the fact that Kocice defensive pressure has growned. This is a type of game that should give us confidence for our next championship game. In the heads of everyone, it is a victory."

Arras captain Johanne Gomis-Halilovic"We gave a lot, and wanted to show another face to our fans and staff. We played 40 minutes with a an impressive intensity. But in the latest min of the game I wasn't anymore lucid, and that can't be forgiven at this level. Yes I am [mad at myself], cause I know what this team is expecting more from me."

Kosice head coach Maros Kovacik"We were expecting this type of hard game, because its never easy to manage a road game. I am really proud of my team.The players from the bench gave all there energy, even if this isn't the only difference, in the last quarter we played hard defense and made important shots. We want to finish in the top 3 of this group even if the team is still young and we need time.

Kosice player Helena Sverrisdottir"That's was such a hard game , that we are happy to win it. That was an important game for us. When we were down by 10 pts, we knew we could come back because we weren't playing good. We stopped losing the ball, then it was better."

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COACH QUOTES

Arras Pays d 'Artois head coach Thibault Petit"It's a shame because it was very close. The last quarter killed us, we shouldn't show it, but it obvious that we were tired.

Kosice have 12 players ready to play,and we're playing only with 7, and lost [Krissy] Bade very early in the game. But our group was much better than in the past weekend, I saw the team progressing. We had too many turnovers cause of to tiredness and also the fact that Kocice defensive pressure has growned. This is a type of game that should give us confidence for our next championship game. In the heads of everyone, it is a victory."

Arras captain Johanne Gomis-Halilovic"We gave a lot, and wanted to show another face to our fans and staff. We played 40 minutes with a an impressive intensity. But in the latest min of the game I wasn't anymore lucid, and that can't be forgiven at this level. Yes I am [mad at myself], cause I know what this team is expecting more from me."

Kosice head coach Maros Kovacik"We were expecting this type of hard game, because its never easy to manage a road game. I am really proud of my team.The players from the bench gave all there energy, even if this isn't the only difference, in the last quarter we played hard defense and made important shots. We want to finish in the top 3 of this group even if the team is still young and we need time.

Kosice player Helena Sverrisdottir"That's was such a hard game , that we are happy to win it. That was an important game for us. When we were down by 10 pts, we knew we could come back because we weren't playing good. We stopped losing the ball, then it was better."